Chelsea bounced back from their opening defeat to Burnley by getting the better of Spurs in the first Premier League game at Wembley. Marcos Alonso will grab the headlines with his two goals but there were some surprisingly impressive performances from the likes of David Luiz and Andreas Christensen.
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Managed to keep Spurs at bay and called into action frequently during the game. Saved well from Dembele and Kane and stayed calm late on, relieving some of the pressure on his team. No chance with Batshuayi’s header but dealt with similar deliveries well throughout the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Marshalled Dele Alli well when doubling up with Victor Moses but often was caught out of position as he came out to press the Spurs attackers. Presented Alvaro Morata with a golden chance early on with an accurate deep cross, only to see his compatriot head wide.
Andreas Christensen – 7.5
The Dane filled the space left by a more advanced David Luiz and coped especially well with Harry Kane. When the Englishman was on the ball, he pressed right up against him and gave him very little chance of getting a shot on goal. A promising return to the Chelsea first team after 2 years away.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Very erratic at times and looked uncomfortable on the left side of the back 3. Not an entirely convincing display by the German who was isolated by the opposition too many times and that gave Spurs their chances.
Victor Moses – 7
Deployed mainly as a right back but was effective going forward. Willian couldn’t find him after he made a brilliant run but that didn’t stop him chasing up and down the right side. Knackered by the end from his effort and Ben Davies could not cope with his clever movement as Chelsea broke free towards the end.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6.5
Didn’t seem to be carrying an injury looking at his performance. The new signing played in a midfield 3 with David Luiz and N’Golo Kante and was Chelsea’s main attacking threat out of the 3. An exciting debut from the Frenchman who broke up play nicely but will need to learn that he can’t get away with silly tugs and pushes.
David Luiz – 8
Played in an unfamiliar role in the centre of midfield but did not look out of place as he played deeper in the midfield as to prevent Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen finding much space in between the lines. Won the free kick that ended up in Hugo Lloris’s net and came in for some rough treatment from Eric Dier but battled on valiantly.
N’Golo Kante – 7
One of the positive performances from last week and he carried on that form at Wembley with his combustible energy. Stopped and started attacks often with his usual style and supplied Willian and the wing backs with plenty of service. A partnership in midfield with Bakayoko beckons.
Marcos Alonso – 9.5
The match winner with both goals, one in each half, including the late winner after Spurs had equalised. His free kick was sublime, swerving into the top corner and left Lloris with very little chance. Got luckier with his second goal as Lloris let his low drive through his body and into the goal. A failed pursuit of Alex Sandro seems to have spurred him on.
Willian – 7
The Brazilian was tasked with supporting Alvaro Morata when Chelsea could counter and he did this well but was limited by a lack of support. His crosses were dangerous and he worked hard off the ball to make the Blues solid in defence. Hit the post with a well-struck effort in the second half.
Alvaro Morata – 6
His performance will be remembered for his incredible miss just minutes into the game where he headed wide from a few yards out. But there were positives for Chelsea’s record signing whose movement got him into some decent positions and, if it wasn’t for Jan Vertonghen, he might’ve got the goal he deserved.
Substitutes:
Pedro – 6.5
Came on for Willian to provide fresh legs in the Brazilian’s position. Provided the all-important assist for Marcos Alonso’s winner with a cute through ball to set up his fellow Spaniard.
Michy Batshuayi – 4
Not the best of cameos for the Belgian who headed into his own net just 3 minutes from coming on. At least he showed Morata how to bury a header but he would’ve been mightily relieved to see Alonso’s strike hit the back of the net.